Detection of Toxoplasmosis in Renal Transplant Recipients by ELISA and PCR Methods in Ahvaz, South-West of Iran

Background: Toxoplasmosis is an opportunistic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii. That is asymptomatic in the majority of patients, but it can be life threatening in immune-compromised subjects, such as patients with HIV and organ transplant recipients. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the Toxoplasmosis in Renal Transplant Recipients in Ahvaz, South-West of Iran. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients and 100 healthy subjects participated in this study. The specific IgG and IgM antibodies of T. gondii were detected in the two groups by ELISA and the presence of T. gondii in the blood samples was evaluated by GRA6 PCR. Results: 34 (34%) of the renal transplant recipients and 26 (26%) of the control group were positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG. In addition 18 (18%) of the renal transplant recipients and 4 (4%) of the control group were positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgM. For both values of the antibodies, differences were statistically significant (P < 0.025 and P < 0.001 respectively). The PCR results indicated the presence of T. gondii parasite in 2 blood samples of recipients, but not in those of the healthy control. Conclusions: According to the findings of the current study, renal transplant recipients have a higher prevalence of toxoplasmosis than healthy people and also there is disseminated infection in the patients. Therefore to prevent the severe complications screening and follow up of renal transplant recipients for toxoplasmosis should not be neglected.